Cape Coral Pet Vethttp://capecoralpetvet.com
Veterinary clinic with a focus on comprehensive care and Dental for all your pets.Wed, 14 Jun 2017 20:44:10 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.13Microchips 101http://capecoralpetvet.com/2017/06/14/microchips-101/
http://capecoralpetvet.com/2017/06/14/microchips-101/#commentsWed, 14 Jun 2017 20:42:22 +0000http://capecoralpetvet.com/?p=3420As a young tech, I remember the drug rep sauntering (they ALL saunter; I think it’s a job requirement) into the emergency vet clinic that I worked for, flashing this “new technology” that was being made available for pets; a microchip implant. Now, being a child of the 70’s, raised in a religious home, I was suspicious of this fancy-pants-techno-witchcraft promising the miraculous reuniting of pet and owner, should the two ever become separated. Nonetheless, Dr. Hannis Stoddard’s AVID microchip quickly became the latest and greatest in Veterinary medicine, particularly to ER’s, because we could now find owners at lightning speed when injured pets were brought in.

A lot has changed since Dr. Stoddard created/patented the AVID chip in 1985; the patent expired and the market exploded with new microchip companies. Shelter pets were chipped before being adopted, the chip became a common optional addition to the basic spay/neuter surgical estimate, and every good Samaritan could bring their roadside find into any animal clinic or shelter and have them scanned for the chip number; creating a trail to the owner. Just a five minute vet visit, and an injection, ensured a lifetime “tracking” system for your four-legged friend.

But then, we all got busier. Microchipping became more common, but keeping the registration current became an oversight; something we kept INTENDING to do, but never could remember to update after a long day at work. To truly reap the benefits of a microchip, you MUST register your pet’s microchip AND keep your information current (moving, new phone #). If that information is missing or incorrect, your chances of getting your pet back are dramatically reduced. Many chip companies also recommend having your pets chip scanned once a year, to make sure that it’s working properly.

As a reminder, the AAHA and the AVMA have established August 15 as “Check the Chip Day” . Mark your calendar reminder to check your information and update it if necessary, and you can rest easy that you’ve improved your chances of getting your pet back if it’s lost or stolen.

Does the microchip REALLY make a difference? The answer is YES! In a *study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters, dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009) And if those numbers seem a little low to you too, I looked into that quote; turns out that the animals that had microchips but didn’t get home was because the owners information was either never registered or never updated. Tragic.

FUN FACT! Commonly available microchips implanted in pets in the U.S. include the following:

134.2-kHz microchips:

]]>http://capecoralpetvet.com/2017/06/14/microchips-101/feed/0Hurricane Charlie was bad because we weren’t ready; but we are now.http://capecoralpetvet.com/2017/06/09/hurricane-charlie-was-bad-because-we-werent-ready-but-we-are-now/
http://capecoralpetvet.com/2017/06/09/hurricane-charlie-was-bad-because-we-werent-ready-but-we-are-now/#commentsFri, 09 Jun 2017 20:24:36 +0000http://capecoralpetvet.com/?p=3407I remember exactly where I was on that rainy fall day; piled into our house with friends and neighbors for a typical “Florida Hurricane Party”. A few beers in (as is tradition), with pizzas in the oven and the local weather man urging us to “hunker down”. We were all just hoping for enough flooding to get the next day off of work without any actual damage…….then the emergency signal blared from the TV. The Hurricane had unexpectedly changed course and we suddenly found ourselves in the red cone, with an ETA of less than 30 minutes, and an expected surge of 15ft in our neighborhood. Well, crap. With a cat under each arm and a dog leash in my mouth, I loaded up a boyfriend (with his egg crates full of a book that he’d been writing; ending up being an awesome read), a hound dog, 2 cats and a grey squirrel (thankfully she was still bottle feeding and her cage was relatively mobile) into a 1998 Protégé and headed for higher ground. I met my family, and about 80 others that had been caught unprepared, at their church. To this day, we still refer to that day as Noah’s Ark; everyone had brought their pets and the pastor (a pet lover himself) welcomed them all.

I made a lot of mistakes that day. I had become a cocky Florida-native, and it caused a lot of unnecessary stress to my pets, which potentially had put them in harm’s way. So let me share some collected tips with you, my pet parent friends, to help you avoid making those same mistakes.

Should you stay or should you go? Ultimately, this is your decision. IDEALLY, you have enough time to make that decision, but that’s not always the way it happens; best to have a backup plan including:

SHELTERS: Currently, there is ONLY ONE pet friendly shelter for Lee County: South Fort Myers High School, 14020 Plantation Rd, Ft. Myers 33912

*You will need to have printed proof of current Rabies vaccine and up to date flea prevention. *Pets are kept separate from humans but are still exclusively the owners responsibility; meaning you must feed & clean up after your own pet (food is NOT provided)*It is first come only; which means that if you wait, you may be too late; in which case…..

KEEP A LIST OF PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS out of area, in case of evacuation: Unless your church is pet-accepting, like we were lucky enough to have, you’ll need a place to go. On the road is NOT when you want to start looking! Have those websites and numbers ready; or you may have to consider an extended road trip to visit your Great Aunt Tessie in Oregon. Start here to make your lists:

Have everything in one place and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Whether you opt for a shelter, a motel, or “hunkering down”, you WILL NEED THESE items with you:

1. Collar with tags (use cell phone #’s, since you most likely won’t be home in a true disaster)

2. Microchip registration (yeah, you got Lucky microchipped when he was a puppy 13 years ago….but do remember the chip #? If you don’t have it written down, take a quick trip to the vet to be scanned at no charge! If you get separated from your pet, a microchip is the ONLY legal way to reclaim him.)

3. 1 week of food in a waterproof container (rotate this food out, so that it doesn’t become stale)

4. 1 week of drinking water (varies by weight and medical condition)

5. 2 weeks of medication (including heartworm prevention! Mosquitos will take FULL advantage of any standing water. You should have a minimum of 2 weeks on hand in case your veterinarian is not up-and-running right away. Consider having anti-anxiety medication on-hand, if recommended by your veterinarian. Storms can be very stressful to pets and combined with potential evacuation and your OWN anxiety, can turn even the sweetest puppy dog into a fearful-monster-Kujo. And cats? Cats are generally even more sensitive to change, and become excellent hiders when they feel threatened. Be patient with your pet, they can’t understand what the weatherman says or why you’re suddenly driving like a maniac in a direction they don’t usually travel. (At minimum, sprayable pheromones are available; such as Adaptil and Feliway, and come in cute little travel sized pumps.)

6. Vaccine records & your regular veterinarian’s phone number

7. Emergency/24hr vet #’s IN area and OUT of the area, in case of evacuation

8. Current photos to help prove ownership; should you become separated

9. Leash (+1 extra) & waste bags for dogs

10. Carrier & litter box (plus scoopable litter & scoop) per cat. Those disposable aluminum lasagna trays are a cheap, disposable option for a litter box in a pinch. And I know, you cringe at the thought of putting your beloved cat into a tight little carrier, BUT believe me, they will actually feel SAFER in a carrier than in your arms. If your cat hates the carrier, it’s most likely because they associate it with negative things (such as only going to the vet), so begin leaving the carrier out in the house, with treats inside of it.

11. Emergency contact information (in case you’re separated) and medication schedule. If you would need to be medically relocated, someone will need to know how to find you, and how to care for your pet until they do.

12. LED collar, blinker clip, or glowsticks (Sounds funny, but it helps! Most hurricanes are accompanied by power outages; make sure that your dog is visible to yourself and emergency workers)

Featured in the photo:

Military Working Dog Nero served in Iraq and saved the lives of over 3000 soldiers. Nero was supposed to be euthanized due to aggression. Nero was rescued by Saveavet and lived the remainder of his life surrounded by veterans who loved him.

Dogs have been in active combat with American soldiers since the birth of our nation, but were not recognized, officially, until WWII. Not coincidentally, the birthday of the US Army K9 Corps is also March 13th (1942).
Military working dogs (aka “war dogs”), have definitely proven themselves over the last 75 years; and training these animals has resulted in over 13 unique, military, K9 job descriptions (even the CIA have their own career dogs!). But, such high-stress and dangerous jobs can sometimes have a grim retirement; studies have shown that some war dogs suffer from debilitating conditions, such as PTSD, upon their resignation. Until November of 2000, war dogs were considered “military surplus equipment” and the majority of dogs were deemed unfit to return to civilian life and were euthanized after their service.Then, in 2000, President Clinton passed “Robby’s Law”,which allows handlers, law enforcement, and approved families a chance to adopt military animals at the end of their service.

Organizations likehttps://www.saveavet.org/donateplace these retired heroes with suitable families and ensure they are given the honorable discharge they deserve!

“Saveavet takes un-adoptable Military & Law Enforcement Working dogs at the end of their working career that are deemed unsuitable for adoption and otherwise euthanized after service. We then hire disabled Military & Law Enforcement Veterans to live with and care for these forgotten soldiers.”

(Due to our system being down, this post was delayed;but you can still visit Saveavet.org and show your support!)

If you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for a rescued animal, and your bank account can probably attest to it. Maybe you’ve recently purchased (or have been given) a puppy, and they are “coming of age”; or maybe, you have had your pet for a while and just haven’t gotten it “fixed” yet, due to financial (or personal belief) constraints? In SWFL, you’ve got quite a few options for sterilizing your pet; but what’s really the best option for you, your wallet and, most importantly, your pet?

First, why get your pet spayed/neutered?

Overpopulation and overcrowding in shelters across the country- It’s not a pleasant topic of conversation, but the truth is that millions of pets are euthanized every year due to lack of homes.

Health risks-While your pet may be perfectly healthy now, the hormones that are being pushed through their systems by their sex organs can cause some serious damage later in life. Prostate enlargement, mammary cancer, and pyometra (an infection in the uterus that can be fatal if not treated surgically) are just SOME of the risks that an unsterilized pet may face; and while neutering may not completely eliminate these risks, it will significantly decrease them, especially if done while the pet is still very young (preferably before the first heat cycle).

Behavioral changes-Those same hormones that can cause potential health risks, can also responsible for erratic, dominant, and sometimes aggressive behaviors as well. Sterilizing your pet at a young age can help them to “get a grip”, because, hey, we’ve all been teenagers at some point…..

And now, the options:

A low-cost spay/neuter clinic

There are numerous “low-cost” spay and neuter clinics in our area. Some are privately funded, some are government funded, and some are simply run by some great-hearted people with (now) empty pockets. My point is, not all low-cost clinics are created equal; and you should not expect the same protocols and practice morals from all of them. The majority of low-cost clinics are about quantity (not necessarily quality), but what they contribute to the community by offering their services is SO necessary to keep overpopulation controlled. If a low-cost clinic what your budget calls for, first request a visit. At that visit, find out EXACTLY what you will be paying for and what steps will be taken to keep your pet safe before, during, and after the procedure. Visit the surgery suite (if possible) and speak directly with the veterinarian and technician that will be present on the “big day”. Discuss after-care, pain management, and DNR protocols; will you need to come back to have the sutures removed? Will that visit be covered? What if your pet develops an infection, will that be included in the price-package? Make sure that you are 100% comfortable by the end of that visit; if not, keep shopping! Consider, also, the possibility that the “low-cost” clinic may not be THAT much of a lower cost than your own veterinarian; if you must shop around, shop smart and know exactly what you’re paying for.

A Veterinary Hospital

We have some amazing veterinarians (and support staff) in the Lee County area; I’ve worked personally with quite a few of them over the last 18 years. Hospital Veterinarians, generally, are more meticulous with their craft; preferring quality medicine over mass-quantity-assembly-line-surgery. A good veterinarian will take the time to build a relationship with you and your pet; understanding that ANY procedure requiring anesthetic can be a stressful, and should be approached with care.

Before surgery:

Most likely, your Veterinarian will require pre-operative bloodwork; and while this may seem frivolous and over-protective, it is merely a precaution that further proves your vet has your pet’s best interests in mind. A Vet will also require that your pet is an appropriate age for sterilization (“fixing” too young can cause problems later too) and that their vaccines are all up to date. Why is this important? Well, #1 because your pet will spend the day in the hospital….which means exposure to other pets (though not necessarily physical contact). (We’ve all shied away from our doctors occasionally to avoid picking up whatever flu bug is going around, am I right?) And #2, surgery temporarily weakens the body’s immune system. Making sure that your pet’s immune system is in tip-top shape BEFORE surgery will make for a much easier, and speedier, recovery after.

Up next is a pre-op exam; this is where the Doctor and/or nurse will go over the procedure with you ahead of time, answering any questions that you may have; and review take home instructions, letting you know what to expect. Some clinics (ours included) will send you home with anti-nausea medications and bland food to give your pet on the morning of surgery.

Surgery:

After dropping off your pet on the morning of surgery, your pet will be again assessed by the Veterinarian, who will order an IV catheter to be placed and that IV fluids be run (when appropriate). Anesthesia will be administered (hospital Vets tend to stay more current on newer, safer, drug protocols) and your pet will be closely monitored. The nurse will ensure that your pet is hooked up to machines that continuously read your pets vitals (ex; EKG, Spo2, blood pressure, etc.) and that their body temperature be maintained via safe heat-sources (the Bair-Hugger warm air compressor that is used in human hospitals is also available, modified, to veterinarians!) Soon after, you can expect a prompt phone call from the attending nurse, notifying you that the procedure is complete and that your pet is awake and well.

After Surgery:

When you return to the hospital to pick your pet up, you will receive your pet’s pain medications, written discharge instructions and/or a brief discharge exam with the nurse. Suture removals are always free, rechecks or complication exams are free as well (in most hospitals, provided that you have followed the post-surgical instructions).

Would you know what to do, if your dog got into your prescription medications? The Halloween candy? The cuttings from the neighbors palm tree? Your sisters violin rosin? (It happened to me, so it CAN happen) You’re a great owner; you bring your pet into the vet every year for vaccines and anytime that he sneezes, or sleeps in too late on a Sunday. But, like with children, even the best (pet) parent can face the dreaded and unforeseen poisoning. Commit these steps (and consider printing a copy for the fridge) to memory, and be ready for the unexpected.

Gather the evidence. You’ll need to collect the bottles, wrappers, labels and any other information on what your pet ingested.

Call a professional. There’s a choice to make here. You can (and should) call your veterinarian for advise, but here’s the catch: MOST of the newer prescription medications, supplements, homeopathic remedies, etc., are not in their books, and they may not have the resources to look them up (especially if they’re not FDA approved). Even if they can find them, and the recommended treatment, it can take precious time (receptionist to tech to doctor to resource, then back to you), and in the event of a poisoning , time is not your friend. Your other option is to call Animal Poison Control directly; but please note that this is not a free call. They will charge $45-$65 to a credit card to begin a consultation, BUT you will be given a reference number to give to your veterinarian, if treatment is recommended. Personally, this is my first choice. If the substance isn’t toxic, well, you’re only out $65; but if it IS a medical emergency, they will let you know whether or not to induce vomiting, and then send you straight to your veterinarian, who can then consult with them for the recommended treatment in the most time efficient manner.

Start driving. I cannot stress enough, how time sensitive toxicities can be. Even if your pet is not immediately showing symptoms of illness, you only get a small window of opportunity for the best recovery. (ex. Anti-freeze toxicity can take hours to days to show symptoms; by which time, survival chances have rapidly declined) Here’s my suggestion: Use your blue tooth or speaker phone (or a second person) to get started with the poison control call, while loading up your pet (don’t forget the packaging, wrappers, etc!) into the car. Begin your route to your veterinarian (or an emergency or after-hours clinic) immediately. The best thing that can happen is Poison Control tells you not to worry, and you head back home. On the chance that you’ve got a real emergency on your hands, Poison control will direct you to your vet (you’re already on your way so that was easy) and give you a case number OR (I’ve had this happen only once, so don’t rely on it) call your vet FOR you while your en route. If you’re given a case number, write it down, hang up and call your veterinarian to let you know that you’re on your way.

Be honest. Listen, this can be a tough one if the medication or substance that your pet ingested isn’t legal. It happens; and the owners who are upfront about it, give their pets a better chance at survival. I’ve seen it on multiple occasions over the past 18yrs, and you know what? Your veterinarian doesn’t care what you do in your personal time; they just want to know WHAT they’re treating to make sure that your pet gets the appropriate care! Recreational drugs (even the “mild”ones) may not seem like a big deal to a lot of people; but dogs (and cats) aren’t people, and ingestion can be LETHAL. Don’t put off telling the truth.

Be ready. Keep medications out of reach from your pet. Keep the numbers for your vet, emergency or after-hours vet, and poison control, accessible. I have them programed into my cell phone. Consider a pet savings account, pet insurance or a “care credit” card, to be ready for any unforeseen problems. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Jan. 2, 2017 Pet Travel Safety Day

Ask anyone, young or old, what they wished they had more time (or money) to do. The number one answer will be TRAVEL; and I’m right on board with that answer! Whether it’s for rest or adventure, it’s hard to ignore the pull of “wanderlust”…..especially when it calls from overseas. But you don’t want to exclude your best friend from the journey (and a lot of pets do quite well traveling) so you decide to bring Fido with you. Great! But do you know if you CAN bring him with you? Every country has different rules AND every airline to get you there has their own, different set of rules. So, how do you make sense of what is required so that you can actually ENJOY your vacation? Read on!

“Cooper F. heading on a big adventure!”

Most airlines will require a health certificate for travel (even within the U.S.). This means that an Accredited Veterinarian must examine and sign off that your pet is healthy enough to travel; this also means that all of the required vaccines must be up to date (and have been administered by a licensed veterinarian). You MUST call your airline for specific requirements; and don’t wait until the last minute! Ask for their requirements in writing, if you can, to avoid confusion.

Every country has different requirements and guidelines for what they require for you to legally enter with your pet. Do your research! Almost all countries require a health certificate, but it very likely will NOT be the same one that your airline requires. Don’t get caught overseas without the correct paperwork! Also, some countries require a quarantine (regardless of pets health and vaccine status), so research is key to making the best decision on where to bring your pet.

Consider using a specialty service. Government paperwork can be hard to navigate! Using a service that specializes in dealing with travel requirements can assure that all of your ducks are in a row, long before lift off. For further peace of mind, look for services that offer guarantees.

Will your pet need prescriptions for travel? Refills of their normal medications while you’re away from your pharmacy? Make sure to give yourself enough time to “test out” any sedatives or anxiety medications that your pet may need for travel. And don’t forget to factor in motion sickness; if your dog gets carsick, there’s a good chance they’ll get airsick.

Above all, do not expect your veterinarian or groomer to know every requirement for every country and airline. Laws and rules are ALWAYS changing (it is government, after all) and it is ultimately your responsibility to get you and your pet to and from your stay, safely.

*Tip: Print EVERYTHING and always check again 2-3 days before you leave to assure that no changes have been made to the requirements!*

Staying local for your vacation? Most State Parks allow dogs! Pack up for the weekend and roadtrip over to one of Florida’s beautiful state parks. Research is still required though; call ahead for requirements and give yourself enough time to make an appointment with your veterinarian, if required.

Nothing says “happiness on earth” quite like Christmas AND a new pet; especially when that new pet is just a wee one! While those of us in veterinary medicine generally tend to discourage giving pets as presents (more on that later), it’s hard to deny that involuntary joy that follows a kitten with a bow, so here are some tips on how to make a great gift giving decision:

*Make sure that a responsible adult has agreed to the next 8-22yrs of pet care. Getting that Persian for little Johnny is very sweet, but will Johnny be bringing it to college with him? And who will pay the veterinary bills in the meantime, not to mention scoop the litterbox?

*If you’re going to give a pet as present, make sure that the recipient actually WANTS a pet and understands the commitment involved. Pets do not make good re-gifts!

*Have a game plan! The best pets are given with instructions. Consider speaking with a veterinarian about what that pet will need in its first year and provide clear information for the new owners. Another option is to schedule the pets first appointment for them and provide them with a gift card for veterinary services.

*Consider the breed. A mastiff puppy is irresistible….but probably not the ideal choice for your grandmother. A teacup Chihuahua is super cute, but not very hardy if you’ve got toddlers . PLEASE research the pro’s and con’s of each breed that you consider and prevent future broken hearts.

*Don’t wrap the puppy! I know, I saw “Lady and the Tramp” too and she seemed just fine; but the truth is, boxing a live animal takes care and experience (and really, it’s a puppy, who cares about a bow!).

*When in doubt, ADOPT! Perhaps the BEST way to give a Christmas puppy or kitten (or adult) is to wrap a homemade voucher for a local animal shelter. This gives the new owner the opportunity to research and meet their new pet before making a lifetime commitment . If you MUST have that purebred pet, please know where it comes from. Only work with reputable breeders and make absolutely certain that your puppy or kitten comes with a signed Health Certificate; it’s the law.

Caddie F.

]]>http://capecoralpetvet.com/2016/12/21/when-santa-brings-a-puppy-or-kitten/feed/0Giving THANKS for the whole family (fur included)http://capecoralpetvet.com/2016/11/22/giving-thanks-for-the-whole-family-fur-included/
http://capecoralpetvet.com/2016/11/22/giving-thanks-for-the-whole-family-fur-included/#commentsTue, 22 Nov 2016 22:32:20 +0000http://capecoralpetvet.com/?p=3136Thanksgiving is all about giving; don’t leave out your best friends! Pets can enjoy the holiday season too, read on for feast-friendly advice.

Thanksgiving can be a special day for your whole house, including your furbabies (if they like your Uncle Bob as much as you do, that is!). Pets saturate their senses with the warm, rich smells of a feast, the boisterous laughter and commotion of family and friends, and the extra attention of generous guests; but make sure that their generosity results in happy pets and not a Friday morning emergency vet bill. Some traditional Thanksgiving foods are better left for your guests, but there are a few that you can share with your pets (and their guests) in moderation.

Turkey-white meat only, without skin

Mashed potatoes-forgo the gravy and butter

Sweet potatoes-no marshmallows, but I’m sure you can suffer through eating the extra!

Green beans-almonds are ok but no casserole; onions can be lethal to pets!

Pumpkin-canned only, but make sure that you don’t over indulge yourself because you’ll need to remove yourself from the couch to take your pup for extra walks!

Cranberries-for only the least picky pets!

Remember, the above “vet approved” treats are in moderation only and not for every pet. Pets with sensitive stomachs, food allergies or who have a history of vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues should stick with their veterinarian recommended diet; and extra love can always be substituted for turkey.

November is National Senior Pet Awareness Month, and part of raising awareness is making sure that pet owners understand their aging pet’s special needs and dietary requirements. Below are some “tech insights” for keeping up with senior pets (my 17 year old cat still runs circles around me lol):

Bi-annual exam-Because pet age faster than we do, it’s good to remember that an exam with your veterinarian every 6 months is your best, first chance at addressing health concerns that you may not even be aware of yet. Your pet will be going through physical changes as they age, and not all changes are obvious. For instance, arthritis pain, in its early stages, can be easily hidden by a cat or dog. Another example, dental decay, can wreak havoc on your senior pet’s health long before they show signs of a “tooth ache”. Prevention is the key to your pet’s longevity.

Lab work-Generally, your veterinarian will recommend annual lab work; this can include bloodwork, a urinalysis and a stool check; but additional tests may include cultures, ear cytology, tear testing and biopsies.

Radiographs-Certain disorders can be detected early by using radiographs (ie:Xrays). Bone loss, cardiac changes and internal masses are just some of the more dangerous changes that your pet may face in later years; but radiographs can sometimes help your veterinarian detect these changes in their earlier stages.

Diet-As pets age, their bodies may require more nutrients that they did as young adults; this is where the lab work and radiographs may come into play and give your veterinarian a better idea as to what special dietary requirements and supplements may be required to keep your pet in optimal health.

Exercise-Your aging pet may not want to play like they did years ago but playtime is still a healthy part of your cat or dogs development, even into advanced age. Speaking with your veterinarian about age-appropriate exercise and weight control can add years (and happiness) to your pets life.

Medication-Heartworms and fleas do not discriminate; even elderly pets are at risk for infection and/or infestation. Remember, in Florida especially, Heartworm prevention is lifelong. Yearly vaccines are also something that should not be neglected; some veterinarians may opt to decrease the number of vaccines needed as your pet ages but this decision will be made on a case by case basis, by your veterinarian.

The best thing that you can do when your pet hits the 7yr mark is to visit your veterinarian to discuss the changes and challenges that your senior pet may face. On a personal note, my house is currently full of senior pets and I find that even though it can be a little more work, I’ve never been happier. (Also, all of my seniors tend to sleep in just a little longer on the weekends, and that’s just fine with me!)

pictured is “Maverick” a 12yr old Miniature Pincher, owner by the author